Application of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity to the Admission Process

Abstract

This article addresses the responsibility of counseling psychology programs to communicate and implement the professional training values regarding diversity as articulated in the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity (henceforth the “Values Statement”) clearly and directly in the advertising and admission process. This will help both applicants and admissions committees assess the best fit between program and applicant and allow for self-selection and committee selection with regard to applicants' aptitude to embody the training values (e.g., self-awareness, openness) specified in the Values Statement. The Values Statement can guide programs in their interview and selection process by providing a framework for assessing applicant readiness to pursue doctoral work in counseling psychology. Current admission practices in counseling psychology are reviewed in the context of the Values Statement. Then a model application review and interview process is described from advertising through selection.